Bob Vardeman's Blog

Happy Fourth of July July 4, 2010

Last night (the 3rd of July for those of you educated in American schools), I went to the top of the retaining dam just south of my house to watch for fireworks. Lots and lots of great stuff. Some small amount in the neighborhood but one city display, low in the sky, went on for about 20 minutes. A much larger display at the Sandia casino out on the rez was nice but had to be viewed between air conditioners due to the angle. Best of all was the display from the isotopes game. This went on for about a half hour and was gorgeous.

I’m not sure what/if there will be actual fireworks displays tonight or why so many displays have been moved from the actual date. Like LBJ moving all the holidays to Monday? “When was Martin Luther King born?” “Monday.” I’m not sure they shouldn’t make a clean sweep of it and move all the holidays to Monday so my trash pickup is always screwed up. Xmas, New Year’s, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Kwanza. Move ‘em all to a Monday so we can have a long weekend. (As if, in my case).

Anyway, I am looking forward to trooping back to the high spot this evening to look out over the city. The Balloon Fiesta Park might be the city venue. If the city hasn’t sold it off to pay its bills. Somehow, red fireworks seems appropriate this year reflecting the red ink we are drowning in. This spot is situated in such a way I can see the stars by blocking out city lights or see the city lights on the western side of the dam.